Separating, positioning, and uniting thread



Jan. 9, 1951 Filed Nov. 27, 1946 W. G. ABBOTT, JR

' SEPARATING, POSITIONING, AND UNITING THREAD 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 1720,6050?" ffiqii'fia Jan. 9, 1951 w. ca. ABBOTT, JR 2,537,007

SEPARATING, POSITIONING, AND UNITING THREAD Filed Nov. 2'7, 1946 I V 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 gywww Jan. 9, 1951 w. e. ABBOTT, JR 2,537,007

SEPARATING, POSITIONING, AND uumnc THREAD Filed Nov. 27, 1946 3 Sheets-Sheet}- agbaz J7:

Patented Jan. 9, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SEPARATING, PO SITI ONING, AND UNITING 23 Claims.

This invention relates to separating, positioning and uniting threads.

In various textile operations it is necessary to unite the respective threads of one group with the respective threads of another group. For example, this operation is often performed in connection with the changing of the warps of a loom and also in connection with the preparation of warps for use in a loom.

It will be understood that in most textile operations in which a large number of threads are handled, side by side, the threads lie very close together. Accordingly, manually picking out the corresponding threads of the two groups, preparatory to uniting these corresponding threads, is ordinarily a slow and tedious operation.

Also in every case in which the threads of the two groups lie in patterns, much care must be used to avoid picking out any wrong or noncorresponding threads of the two groups and consequent alteration of the pattern.

This problem of maintaining the pattern is especially acute when the two groups of threads are each arranged in a predetermined similar pattern but a variation as to color and/or character of certain threads is intentionally introduced between the two groups in that some threads of the new group have a different color and/or character from the corresponding threads of the old group. This situation is encountered in preparing warps for the weaving of sample pieces of patterned goods where it is desired to try out the effect of color variation upon a basic pattern. In this case the operator cannot rely upon identity of color as indicating whether the threads are correctly paired, but on the contrary must be sure to pair corresponding threads notwithstanding color variation.

The invention aims to provide for easily and quickly separating the threads of .a group and easily and quickly positioning them for pairing with the threads of another group.

In order to insure that corresponding threads of two groups are united, it is advantageous first to pair all the threads of the two groups, and then to unite the various paired threads. However, even when paired threads lie somewhat separated as in a comb, usual uniting operations require more space than is available between adjacent pairs, thus requiring displacement of neighboring threads during uniting or displacement of the pair of threads being united, and consequently requiring individual treatment of each pair of threads.

The invention therefore further aims to provide for uniting pairs of threads which lie in a sheet, without need for relative displacement of the various paired threads during the uniting. The invention also aims to provide for treating the pairs of threads en masse during uniting, reducing the extent to which pairs of threads are handled individually.

Further objects of the invention and advantageous features will be seen from this specification and its drawings wherein the invention is explained by way of example.

In the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view showing two groups of threads and showing the first step of the full procedure described in this specification;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of a comb having two sets of teeth adapted for use in the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing one of the groups of threads of Fig. 1 as separated and positioned in the comb of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing both groups of threads of Fig. l as separated and positioned in the comb;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view, partly in vertical section, illustrating the severing of tape employed to unite the respective pairs of threads within the comb;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view similar to Fig. 5, illustrating an alternative way of severing tape employed to unite the respective pairs of threads within the comb;

Fig; 6 is a diagram showing the application of the invention to the uniting of one section of a new warp to the corresponding section of an old warp; and

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the application of the invention to the preparation of a special warp upon a swift.

In Fig. 1 two groups of threads I! and I2 are shown in the usual sheet-like and closely spaced form in which such groups of threads lie in various textile operations.

For purposes of explanation it will be assumed that it is desired to unite the leading ends of the threads of group I2 to the trailing ends of the threads of group i I.

As an initial step, which can be performed while the threads of each group are closely spaced, tapes H and i2 of extensible material are transversely disposed across the respective groups H and i2 and adhesively secured thereto. This adhesion may most easily be accomplished by use of extensible tapes I l and 12 which have an adhesive face or coating or a face or coating which is potentially adhesive and becomes adhesive by the action of suitably applied heat, pressure or solvent or any combination of these actions. After adhesion of the extensible tapes to their groups of threads, the ends of the two groups may then, for convenience, be trimmed off close to the tapes, as indicated in Fig. 1.

Tape IZ with the threads of group I2 adhering to its continuous extensible surface, can now be extended lengthwise (transversely of the group) to say four or five hundred per cent of its original length, whereupon the threads of group :2 lie sufficiently separated to enable them conveniently to be set in between the teeth of a comb. As indicated in Figs. 2 and 3, a comb l5 having a base it and front and back rows of equally spaced teeth IT is preferably employed.

As shown in Fig. 3, each thread of group 12 is set between adjacent teeth of the front row and between corresponding adjacent teeth of the back row.

Similarly the threads of group I I are separated by extending the tape l and then set into the comb 15, as shown in-Fig. 4, each thread of group H thus becoming paired with the corresponding thread of group 1-2. The comb then holds a web comprising spaced pairs of threads of the two groups to be united.

The threads are now in a paired arrangement convenient for uniting. The uniting operation may be performed by a hand k-notter orby-anautomatic knotter operating successively upon .the pairs of threads.

Instead of being knotted, the paired threads may be united by adhesive action. For instance, a suitable cement-dispensing meanscan be provided to apply liquid adhesive or thermoplastic adhesive to each thread of each-pair'while the pairs are held by the c01nb,:and suitable means can be provided to press the threads of each pair together and provide a fir-m adherent joint between them.

Joining the threads by adhesive action can most expeditiously be accomplished by a procedure which involves adhesivelysecuring a tape to the several pairs of threads and severing this tape between adjacent pairs. The tape for this uniting procedure need not be extensible.

Preparatory to setting the threads ofgroup l2 in the comb a tape l3 presenting an adhesive or potentially adhesive upper surface can be laid across the comb between the'rows of teeth, as shown in Fig. 2, the threads of group [2 then overlying this tape when set into the comb. After the threads of group It are set into the comb a further tape 53 presenting an adhesive 1 or potentially adhesive lower surface can .be laid across the comb directly above the tape 13 as shown in Fig. l. Anysuitable action-such as pressure, heat, or solvent or combination of theseactions, can be employed for the purpose of promoting adhesion of the paired threads to the tapes H and [3 In some cases it may be desirable to omit either tape [3 or tapeltk'thatis, employ tape only above or only below the threads.

The transversely extending tape comprised of the superposed tapes [3 and 13* can now be severed in short pieces, each serving to hold a single pair of threads. This may conveniently be done by passing over the tape a roller '20, Fig.

5, equipped with cutting knives 2| which ccincide with the spacingof the teeth ll. Preferably the upper surface of the base it of the comb is slotted or grooved at 2 2, with the slots or grooves extending in substantial alignment wfiththe pairs as shown in Figs. 2 and 5 to receive the knives 2| and cooperate therewith in cutting the tape. The knives 2| make cuts transversely of the tape, that is, longitudinally of the Webs of threads, in between each adjacent pair of threads, leaving each pair joined by tape but unattached to any of the other pairs. Simultaneously the pressure of the roller aidsin'securing a strongjoint between the threads of each pair. No displacement of the paired threads in the comb is necessary, and the roller 20 and its knives 2| can be quickly rolled .from end to end of the comb. The threads of the "sheet are thusd'e'alt'with en masse both in joining the threads by tapes [3 and i3 and in sever- .ing .these tapes between adjacent pairs of joined threads.

Fig. 5 illustrates an alternative way of severing the tape. In this figure the base of the comb, indicated at IE is provided with grooves 22 located betweenand aligned with corresponding front and back teeth, as in Fig. '2, thesegrooves 22 having vertical side walls. .Amultiplepu-nch 20 having straight-sided .punch elements Zi adapted to .fit in the grooves '22 can be placed over the base 15", as shown .inFigEa Upon applying downward pressure to the punch, the punch elements :2 I cooperate with .-the vgrooved base [6 to sever the tape in between-eachadjacent pair of threads simultaneously. The lower .surface 28 of .the punchalso appliespressure to all of the, joints to strengthen them.

The originally applied extensible tapes-li and I-2 can be-lef-t on the threads while the paired threads are being-united in the comb, in which case these tapes canbe held extended 'by hand, or by suitable clamps, weight orother holding devices. The tail portions of theunited threads and their attached tapes il and-l-Z canbecu-t 'off before removal of the united threads from the comb.

While I have described the several tapes as presenting "an adhesive or potentially adhesive surfaceto the threads,--tape which'dces not imtially have such an adhesive or potentially adhesive surface can be used, andliquid or semi-liquid cement can be applied to secur the tape adhesively to the threads.

:Fig.:-6 diagrammatically shows the use-of the invention -.as above described .in changing the warps of the loom, the new warp beam being indicated at 30 andthe entering end of the loom being-indicated 'at3l. The new warpinay comprise for example seven sections, each comprising a group I2 -of say 200 threads, -al-though for clarity of illustrations. lessernumber of threads are shown in Fig. .6. The-old warp of which the trailing end extends from the-entering end of the loom comprises a similar numbeiwof groups i l In changing-the warp it is necessary to unite each thread of each section of the new warp to the corresponding thread-of the corresponding section of the old warp.

In preparation of the new Warp upon thebeam BIL- each section l.2 is-finished off by adhesively securing an extensible tape {2 to all of the threads .of such section 12. :Before cutting off the old "warp sections it from their beam .in the loom,.each section ll .is finished on by adhesively securing an extensible ltape .II to all -of the threads of such section ill.

Fig. .6 shows the first section (2 of the new warp being secured to the corresponding section II of the old warp, as shown in more detail flin -Fig. l, the threads .of these two sections being of corresponding teeth of the front and back rows, shown in Fig. 6 ashaving'been set into the comb l5 and adhesively joined by tapes I 3 and I3, after extension of the initially applied extensible tapes II and i2". After joining these two sections, severing their connecting tapes l3 and l3 and trimming off their tail ends and the extensible tapes H and I2, the united threads are removed from the comb. The comb can then be shifted lengthwise and the next two sections of new and old warps similarly united, continuing in this manner until all threads of the new and old warps have been united.

Fig. 7 shows diagrammatically the general arrangement of apparatus adapted for preparing a special warp for weaving sample or short pieces of fabric with a predetermined general warp pattern running through all of the pieces but with thread color or thread character variations introduced as between successive pieces.

In preparing such a warp a plurality of spools 35 can carry threads of various colors and/or characters, which threads together form a certain pattern. These threads are led through a reed 37 and are condensed in a hackstand 38 into a closely disposed web for winding in sections onto a swift 39.

A plurality of turns of this web are wound onto the swift to form a section ll. The winding is thenstopped and the threads of the web are leveled by pressing a thin blade against them. Extensible tapes ll and [2 are then secured to the threads transversely of the web, on opposite sides of the blade, and the web is severed between the two tapes.

The swift is then shifted lengthwise the width of one section, the leading end of the web attached thereto, and a further plurality of turns wound thereon to form a second section II, and the web is then finished off with extensible tapes and severed as described above. Fig. 7 shows the completion of winding of the third such section I! on the swift.

After winding the desired number of sections H of threads having the initial combination of color and/or character of threads, some or all of the spools 35 are replaced by spools carrying threads whichprovide a second combination as to color and/or character, but yield the same general pattern as the original threads. The new threads are threaded through the reed 31 and hackstand 38, are leveled, and an extensible tape I2 is adhesively secured thereto.

The swift is then moved back to bring the first wound section II thereon opposite to the leading end of the newly threaded web having the second combination as to color and/or character. The leading end of the newly threaded web is then united to the trailing end of the first section I! by the procedure illustrated in Fig. 4, this uniting operation being performed between the hackstand 38 and the swift 39. A plurality of turns of the web are wound on top of the first section II. The winding is then stopped, the threads are leveled, extensible tapes are adhesively secured to the web, and the web is severed between the tapes.

The swift is then shifted lengthwise the width of one section, the leading end of the web united as illustrated in Fig. 4 to the trailing end of the underlying wound web of the second section, and a further plurality of turns wound thereon.

This sequence is continued, with a change in combination of color and/or character of the threads after each completion of winding a given combination upon all the sections of the swift.

The especially prepared warp will ordinarily be 6. transferred from the swift to a beam, to be set into the loom. When the warp threads of one combination of color and/ or character have been woven into the fabric, the threads of the next combination of color and/or character follow without the need for drawing in a new warp, fitting stop motion wires, or any other adjustment to the warp or to the loom.

I claim:

1. Method of separating the threads of a group, comprising applying an adhesive extensible tape to the group of threads, and extending the tape while the threads adhere thereto.

2. Method of separating the threads of a group comprising adhesively securing a group of threads to an extensible tape, and extending the tape while the threads adhere thereto.

3. Method of disposing the threads of a group for uniting, comprising applying an adhesive extensible tape to the group of threads, extending the tape while the threads adhere thereto, thereby separating the threads, and positioning the separated threads between teeth.

4. Method of disposing the threads of a group for uniting comprising adhesively securing a group of threads to an extensible tape, extending the tape while the threads adhere thereto, thereby separating the threads, and positioning the separated threads between teeth.

5. Method of uniting two groups of threads comprising pairing threads of the two groups, the respective pairs of threads being spaced from adjacent pairs, applying an adhesive tape to the several pairs of threads, and severing the tape between adjacent pairs.

6. Method of uniting two groups of threads comprising pairing threads of the two groups, the respective pairs of threads being spaced from adjacent pairs, adhesively securing a tape to the several pairs, and severing the tape between adjacent pairs.

7. Method of uniting two groups of threads comprising pairing threads of the two groups, the respective pairs of threads being spaced from adjacent pairs, adhesively securing a tape to the several pairs transversely thereof, and severing the tape between adjacent pairs.

8. Method of uniting two groups of threads comprising pairing threads of the two groups, the respective pairs of threads being spaced from adjacent pairs, applying an adhesive tape to the several pairs of threads, and severing the tape between adjacent pairs and applying pressure to bind the severed pieces of tape to their associated paired threads.

9. Method of uniting two groups of threads comprising disposing the threads of the two groups in the form of a web with threads of the two groups in paired relation, respective pairs of threads being spaced from adjacent pairs, adhesively securing tape to opposite faces of the web of paired threads, and severing the tape between adjacent pairs.

10. Method of uniting threads comprising adhesively securing a group of threads to an extensible tape, extending the tape while said threads adhere thereto thereby spacing said threads apart, disposing the spaced threads in paired relation to a spaced set of threads of another group, and uniting the two threads of each pair.

11. Method of uniting threads comprising adhesively securing a group of threads to an extensible tape, extending the tape while said threads adhere thereto thereby spacing said threads apart, disposing the spaced threads in a-seam? 2* paired .relation" to a spaced eset oiizthrea'dsofzanothergroup, and applying adhesive to "the two threads of each pair to :unite them.

12. Method pf: uniting threads :comprising adhesively securing a group .of threads t053h .extensible tape, extending .the tape While said threads adhere .thereto thereby spacing said threads apart, disposing thezspaced threads in paired relation to a spaced set of threads of anotherrgroup,zand applying adhesive and pressure 'to'the tWo 'threads of each group't'o um'te them.

.13. Method of uniting threads comprising fadhesively securinga :group of threads to zanxextensible tape, extending the tape while said threads ia-dhere thereto thereby spacing said threads apart, disposing the spaced threads in paired relaticnto-a spaced set :of threads'ofianother group, .adhesively securing a further tape to the threads of both groups vdiile mantaining such paired relation thereby uniting the 'two threads of each pair, and severing said further tape between thepairs of threads.

14. Methods of uniting threads comprising adhesively securing a group of threads to an extensible tape, extending the tape while sai-d threads adhere thereto thereby spacing said threads apart, disposing the spaced threads in paired relation toa spaced set of threads or" another group, adhesively securing a further tape to'tthe threadsof both groups whiie maintaining such paired irelation thereby uniting the two threads of each apairysevering said further-tape between the pairs of threads, and severing the .ends of threads which extendirom said further tape and are secured to said extensible tape.

15. Method of uniting threads of two groups comprising adhesively securing each group of threads to a respective extensible tape, extending said extensible tapes while said threads adhere thereto thereby spacing the threads of each group apart, disposing the two groups of spaced threads in paired relationyadhesivelysecuring a further tape to the threads of both groups while maintaining saidpaired relation thereby uniting the two threadsof each pair, severingsaid further tapebetween the pairs of threads, and severing the ends of threads which extend from said further tape and. are secured'tothe respective extensible tapes.

16. Apparatus for uniting threads comprising a bed, spaced front and back rows-of teeth extending'therefrom in position to receive pairs of threads between adjacent teeth of each row, said bed having grooves to facilitate sever-ing a tape between adjacent pairs of threads in thespace between the two rows of teeth, each such groove extending in substantial alignment with a pair of corresponding teeth of the iront and back rows.

17. Apparatus for uniting threads comprising .in combination means for holding the corresponding threads of two webs in paired relation with spaces between adjacent pairs, and severing means arranged to make longitudinally extending cuts in between adjacent pairs of "threads of .the two webs, thereby to sever a tape extending transversely of "the two-webs.

18. A group of threads adapted to serve as' warp, the threads having generally parallel-portions individually secured to a transversely disposed extensible tape, said tape being extensible to several hundred per. cent of its original length.

8 19. A sectional wound warp .comprisingaiplurality of sections of which the individual threads are secured -.to extensible tapes, separate such tapes securing the threads of the respective sections in 'such manner :as nottto attach threadsof one section to threadsofanother section, whereby each section .is separable independently of the other sections by. extension of its. respective tape.

' 20.. Method of separating closelydisposed parallelilunwoven threads of a :warp to permit them to be operated on individually, comprising extending an. extensible.suriaceofiacontinuous element transversely :of :the threads of the warp while holding individual'tlireads'of the warp in individual :contact with such extending rsurface, there'byto separatethethreads.

"21. Method of separating closelydisposed parallel unwoven threads o'f-a Warp to permit them to :be operated on individually, comprising .extending anextensible element transversely of the threads act the Warp :while holding individual threads of the Warpadhesivel-y in individual contact with said element, thereby to separate the threads.

22. Method of separating closely disposed parallel .unwoven threads. of a warp to permit them to be .operated on individually, comprising separating a "plurality .of the warp threads comprising less than the entire warp .by extending an extensible surfaceofa continuous element transverseiy of the "said plurality of threads While holding the individual threads of said plurality in individual contact with such extendingsurface.

23. Apparatus for uniting threads comprising in combination .means ior .ih'olding the ,corresponding threads :of two webs in paired relation with :spaces between "adjacent pairs, and severing means arranged to make longitudinallyzextending cutsin between adjacent pairs of threads .of theitwowebs, therebywto sever a tape extending transversely of the two Webs, said severing :means including ,a pluralityof cutting elements and a cooperating grooved {bed having grooves to receivasaid cutting elementsinxspaces between adjacenti pairs .of threads.

G. ABBOTT, JR.

REFERENCES CIT-ED The :following references are-of record in the fileofthis pa ent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 933,687 .Atwood Sept. 7,1909 1,019,332 'Mathewson Mar. 5, 1912 1,153,870 ,Lea s Sept. 14, 1915 1,294,713 ,Runnette Feb. 18, 1919 1,468,207 Martens Sept. 18, 1923 1,519,091 Lea Dec. 9,, 1924 1,523,999 ,Hathaway Jan. 20, 1925 "1,565,482 McLane. ,Dec. 15, 1925 1,817,469 Vickerman :Aug. .4, 1931 .1 ,986,9-'74 Kellogg Jan. 8, 1935 2,048,974 Smith -July 28, 1936 2,058,758 Barber Oct. 27, 1936 2,117,997 Taylor May 17, 1938 2,207,279 Alderier .July 9, 1940 2,246,776 Appleman ;June 24, 1941 2,298,676 Camp Oct. 13, 1943 2,349,710 Evans -May 23, 1944 

